In a bid to bolster its uranium mining capabilities, Uzbekistan is considering a partnership with China Nuclear Uranium Co. Ltd for the development of black shale uranium mines, according to reports from Trend. Discussions between representatives of China Nuclear Uranium and Jamal Fayzullaev, the director general of Navoiyuran State Enterprise, have centered around the potential production of black shale uranium at the Jantuar and Ma’danli deposits situated in the Navoi region.
Geological surveys have been conducted at key sites, including the Ma’danli and Koscheka fields within the Auminzatau Mountains. Sampling and analysis activities at the Ma’danli field have provided insights into the feasibility of extracting uranium and other rare elements from the ore composition, laying the groundwork for potential development in the area.
This prospective collaboration follows a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2023 between Navoiyuran and China National Nuclear Corporation, outlining mutual cooperation in uranium mining and processing endeavors in Uzbekistan. As part of this agreement, discussions have revolved around various investment initiatives within the uranium sector, signaling a growing partnership between the two entities.
Jamal Fayzullaev, highlighting future plans, disclosed Navoiyuran’s ambitions to ramp up uranium production by 1.5 times while simultaneously reducing production costs by 20.1 percent. The enterprise aims to intensify geological prospecting activities, covering over 1 million meters of exploration area, alongside extensive drilling operations spanning 3.8 million meters for uranium production purposes in 2024.
